known to be prisoner who had never been allowed to write home.

In 1973, 591 American prisoners were released from communist prison camps in Southeast Asia, but Cook was not among them. The Vietnamese denied any knowledge of his fate.

On June 21, 1988, the Vietnamese returned the remains of LCdr. Wilmer P. Cook to U.S. control. For over 22 years - dead or alive - LCdr. Cook had been a captive in enemy hands.

Since American involvement in Indochina ended in 1975, over 10,000 reports have been received related to Americans missing in Southeast Asia. Many authorities are convinced beyond doubt that hundreds remain alive in captivity. Cook did not return home alive. One can imagine how he would feel about those who are still alive and the lengths he would go to help them to freedom. What are we doing to bring our men home?

Lieutenant Commander Cook graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on June 7, 1956.
Lieutenant Commander Cook was awarded the following decorations:

Distinguished Flying Cross
Gold Star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross
Gold Star in lieu of the third Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal (Bronze Star in lieu of the First Award)
Air Medal (Gold in lieu of the Second Award)
Air Medal (Gold Star in lieu of the Third Award)
Air Medal (Gold Star in lieu of the Fourth Award)
Air Medal (Gold Star in lieu of the Fifth Award)
Air Medal (First through Fourteenth Strike/Flight Awards)
Air Medal (Fifteenth Strike/ Flight Award)
Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device Gold Star in lieu of the second Navy Commendation Medal with combat Distinguishing Device
Gold Star in lieu of the third Navy Commendation Medal
with Combat Distinguishing Device
Gold Star in lieu of the fourth Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device
Purple Heart

In addition he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service
Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon Bar during his naval service.